“What’s the difference between Open and Closed meetings?” (And Other Frequently Asked Questions)

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What’s the Difference Between Open and Closed A.A. Meetings?

The purpose of all A.A. group meetings, as the Preamble states, is for A.A. members to “share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.” Toward this end, A.A. groups have both open and closed meetings.

Closed meetings are intended for A.A. members, i.e. those who have a desire to stop drinking. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in the Alcoholics Anonymous program of recovery from alcoholism. Nonalcoholics may attend open meetings as observers.

At both types of meetings, the A.A. chairperson may request that participants confine their discussion to matters pertaining to recovery from alcoholism. Whether open or closed, all A.A. group meetings are conducted by A.A. members who determine the format of their own meetings.

There are 692, meetings in 210 locations, in  103 regions in the Greater Cincinnati Area. About 65% are open and 35% are closed.

What Other Types of Meetings Are There?

In addition to “open” and “closed”, there are many different types of meetings in A.A.

In a lead meeting, one person tells their personal story. In a general way, they describe what life was like while drinking, how they found A.A., and how they apply A.A. principles in their life now.

In a discussion meeting, someone brings up a topic (such as “how do I not drink at a wedding reception?”, “how do I have relationships in sobriety?”, “how do I work Step 3?”, or anything related to alcoholism). Then those attending share their experience, strength, and hope on how they solved the problem through the principles of A.A.

In a literature meeting, a selection from an A.A. publication, such as the Big Book, 12&12, or one of many others, is read and then discussed by those attending.

Many meetings offer online options, Spanish language interpretation, or formats designed to increase accessibility for specific members, such as newcomers, young people, or LGBTQ. Each group is autonomous, and free to format their meetings as they see fit.

Is There a Difference Between a Meeting and a Group?

Most A.A. members meet in A.A. groups as defined by the long form of our Third Tradition: “Our membership ought to include all who suffer from alcoholism. Hence we may refuse none who wish to recover. Nor ought A.A. membership ever depend upon money or conformity. Any two or three alcoholics gathered together for sobriety may call themselves an A.A. group, provided that, as a group,
they have no other affiliation.”

However, some A.A. members hold A.A. meetings that differ from the common understanding of a group. These members simply gather at a set time and place for a meeting, perhaps for convenience or other special situations. The main difference between meetings and groups is that A.A. groups generally continue to exist outside the prescribed meeting hours, ready to provide Twelfth Step help when needed.

A.A. groups are encouraged to get listed with G.S.O., as well as with their local offices: Area, District, and Intergroup or Central Service Office. A.A. meetings can be listed in local meeting lists along with A.A. groups.

How Do You Become an A.A. Group Member?

“The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking” (Tradition Three). Thus, group membership requires no formal application. Just as we are members of A.A. if we say we are, so are we members of a group if we say we are.

©Reprinted from the Group pamphlet with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Copyright © 2018 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

If Anyone With a Desire to Stop Drinking Can Join, Then What Is a Sponsor?

“What does A.A. mean by sponsorship? To join some organizations, you must have a sponsor — a person who vouches for you, presents you as being suitable for membership. This is definitely not the case with A.A. Anyone who has a desire to stop drinking is welcome to join us!

In A.A., sponsor and sponsored meet as equals, just as Bill and Dr. Bob did. Essentially, the process of sponsorship is this: An alcoholic who has made some progress in the recovery program shares that experience on a continuous, individual basis with another alcoholic who is attempting to attain or maintain sobriety through A.A.

When we first begin to attend A.A. meetings, we may feel confused and sick and apprehensive. Although people at meetings respond to our questions willingly, that alone isn’t enough. Many other questions occur to us between meetings; we find that we need constant, close support as we begin learning how to “live sober.”

So we select an A.A. member with whom we can feel comfortable, someone with whom we can talk freely and confidentially, and we ask that person to be our sponsor.”

©Reprinted from the pamphlet Questions & Answers on Sponsorship with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Copyright © 2017 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Does It Cost Anything to Attend an A.A. Meeting?

There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership, or for attendance at A.A. meetings. A basket may be passed at an A.A. meeting for contributions to help cover group expenses (rent, refreshments, etc.) — these contributions are entirely voluntary, and not required for attendance. In accordance with the principle of self-support, A.A. groups do not accept donations from non-members.

Does A.A. Have Any Religious or Political Affiliation?

A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

If you have any other questions, we’re here to help. Call us at 513-351-0422, send an email to info@aacincinnati.com, or send postal mail to 2245 Gilbert Ave. Suite 304 Cincinnati, OH 45206. One of our staff or volunteers will be happy to hear from you.

Here’s a list of the next 20 upcoming meetings

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